By Allison Peck
A Cozad man has been sentenced to five to seven years in prison for distribution of an exceptionally hazardous drug in Lincoln County District Court.
Alfonso Romero was sentenced Monday by District Judge Cindy Volkmer. Romero pled guilty to the charge on Nov. 17 and received credit for 222 days already served in jail.
Romero was arrested on Feb. 13, 2025, after being stopped by a Nebraska State Trooper on Interstate 80. According to court records, Romero was driving on the shoulder of the interstate and did not have a valid driver’s license.
During a search of the vehicle, troopers found approximately 14.02 grams of methamphetamine, between 10 and 11 grams of suspected cocaine, three Xanax pills, two pipes containing meth residue, and $1,020 in cash.
Court records say the meth was located between the driver’s seat and the center console. Nearly six grams of suspected cocaine was also found in a bag belonging to Romero’s passenger, Colby Flaming.
Romero was initially released on bond on May 1, 2025, to enter a drug treatment program. A warrant was later issued for his arrest on July 18 after he left the treatment center and failed to report to authorities.
He was arrested again on Sept. 4 in Red Willow County on charges of trespassing and theft and has remained in the Lincoln County Jail since that time.